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Continued from page 2

3. Common Task

Major Reisman requires the DD to build their barracks in the training camp. The faster they complete the camp, the sooner they have a roof over their heads. Despite their antipathy for each other, they are initially brought together by their shared desire to not sleep in the rain.

Lesson:Unite your team around goals that are in everyone’s best interest. Ideally, select tasks which foster collaboration, rather than assignments that can be readily broken into components that can be performed individually.

4. Common Enemies

When the DD are first brought together, each member feels that everyone is their enemy, including the other DD members.

The DD’s first common enemy is Major Reisman. They eventually befriend him and work together against a new common enemy, Colonel Breed. After they “defeat” Colonel Breed, the DD’s common enemy becomes the German Army.

Lesson:Just as a sports team is motivated to train harder when facing a bitter rival, you can inspire your venture to bond around their common loathing of a competitor.

Stage Two: Storming

5. Allow Leaders To Emerge

Major Reisman wisely does not establish an explicit hierarchy within the DD. He allows the team’s leaders to emerge organically. For instance, during the group’s first meeting, a southern bigot insults the lone African American prisoner. A fight ensues. Rather than breaking it up, Major Reisman exits and instructs the military police who are guarding the room to allow the prisoners to “work out their differences.”

Lesson:It is obviously not appropriate in every instance to remove hierarchy from your teams and allow them to fight among themselves. However, in some instances, it is wise to permit employees to self-select their leaders. This allows new leaders to emerge, who you otherwise may not have identified.

6. Team Identity

The first sign that the DD is Forming into a team is when they collectively rebel against being forced to shave in cold water. They declare, in unison, their refusal to bathe or shave until they are given warm water. This revolt results in their “Dirty Dozen” moniker. Rather than angering Major Reisman, he is pleased that the previous unaffiliated individuals are united in their defiance.

Lesson:Allow your teams to form their own identity, even down to the name they choose for their team. A name that reflects a shared inside joke, can be a powerful source of group identity.